Businessman named prime minister by Madagascar coup leader

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, the leader of the military coup in Madagascar, appoined businessman, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo as the country’s prime minister on 20th October according to France 24.

This follows a series of youth-led protests in Madagascar’s capital, Antananarivo, demanding the president at the time, Andry Rajoelina, be removed from power after chronic power and water shortages. Although Rajoelina attempted to soothe political turmoil, the increasing violence of the protests and lack of backing down from Gen-Z protesters meant the political stability was rapidly destabilising across the country. This culminated with a military coup from the same CAPSAT unit that was responsible for Rajoelina’s rise to power in 2009, who joined the protesters and attempted to seize Rajoelina.

The ex-president reportedly fled the country and continued to make announcements from a “safe place” on the situation following an alleged assassination attempt, however he was soon impeached by local lawmakers.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina became set to rule the country with a transition government. Earlier this week on 20th October, however, Randrianirina announced that businessman and consultant, Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo would be appointed as prime minister in his stead.

Randrianirina cited Rajaonarivelo’s experience as a driving force behind the decision, as well as his “connections with the international organisations that work with us”. He said that the military will rule alongside a civilian government for a maximum of two years before a democratic election cycle is put in place in the East African country.

Rajoelina was claimed to have condemned the military takeover of the country and refused to announce his retirement from position as he was exiled from the country, however the High Constitutional Court of Madagascar were reported to have accepted the military takeover within mere hours of it happening.

Political stability and civilian satisfaction has seemingly returned to Madagascar following an intense few weeks of protesting across the country. While Rajoelina’s reign has ended, the torch has been passed onto Rajaonarivelo who has the difficult job of reinforcing political democracy following years of collective dissatisfaction.

France 24, Maghrebi.org